Books on the Rail’s Melbourne co-founders get their own book deal

THEY are known for sharing books with Melbourne’s public transport commuters, and next year the Books on the Rail ladies will be able to leave their very own novel on the train.

Books on the Rail founders Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus. Picture: Ian Currie

THEY are known for sharing books with Melbourne’s public transport commuters, and next year the Books on the Rail ladies will be able to leave their very own novel on the rail.

Books on the Rail co-founders and self-described “book ninjas” Michelle Kalus and Ali Berg have earned a book deal with publishing house Simon & Schuster Australia.

They will release their debut novel The Book Ninja, a fictional romantic comedy, in July next year.

BOOKS ON THE RAIL SHARES LOVE OF READING WITH MELBOURNE COMMUTERS

“Since we could talk, we never wanted to be famous singers or ballerinas. We only ever wanted to be one thing, authors. This is a dream come true for both of us,” Ms Berg said.

Simon & Schuster Australia managing editor Roberta Ivers said she was delighted to be working with the pair.

“They’re the epitome of a dynamic duo and they’ve written a clever, funny and wryly observed story about finding love and discovering yourself in the process,” Ms Ivers said.

“And of course it’s all about the love of books, something they know better than anyone.”

BOOK NINJAS GO NATIONAL

Books on the Rail started in Melbourne in April last year and has since grown in to a community of close to 1000 “book ninjas” across Australia sharing their love of reading with their fellow commuters.

They have also held commuter book clubs on Melbourne trains and trams.